New Research Ranks Best, Worst and Most Stressful Jobs

When you think of the best, worst and most stressful jobs available, what immediately pops into your mind? Wonder no more, because new research from Careercast.com has unveiled the top 10 jobs in each category — and you just might be surprised by which positions made the list.

In order to establish the rankings, Careercast.com examined a number of factors, including physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook, according to ABC News. Not surprisingly? You won’t find any overlap between the best and most stressful jobs. Without further ado, here are the results.

Best Jobs

Software engineer

Actuary

Human resources manager

Dental hygienist

Financial planner

Audiologist

Occupational therapist

Online advertising manager

Computer systems analyst

Mathematician

Worst Jobs

Lumberjack

Dairy farmer

Enlisted military soldier

Oil rig worker

Reporter (newspaper)

Waiter/waitress

Meter reader

Dishwasher

Butcher

Broadcaster

Most Stressful Jobs

Enlisted soldier

Firefighter

Airline pilot

Military general

Police officer

Event coordinator

Public relations executive

Corporate executive (senior)

Photojournalist

10. Taxi driver

We were surprised to see reporter and broadcaster make the list of worst jobs — but then again, the media industry is going through a lot of changes, and layoffs continue to be widespread. As for lumberjacks, they’ve got two major factors working against them.

“Unemployment for lumberjacks is very high, and the demand for their services is expected to fall through 2016,” according to Careercast.com. “And while working outside all day may seem like a great job perk, being a lumberjack not only is considered the worst job, but also one of the world’s most dangerous.”

Perhaps lumberjacks are somewhat compensated for their high-risk careers with a hefty salary? Think again. On average, lumberjacks earn just over $32,000 a year.